Independence Day celebrations began at 6.30 am at Sphoorti Foundation, Cherlapally, which runs a home for orphaned and abandoned children. The 148 children hoisted the flag and the in-house music team set the tone by singing patriotic songs. Says V Srivyal, director of the organisation, “We can’t replace the role of a family but we try to celebrate all festivals to make them feel a part of a large family.”There are a number of people and organisations who prefer to celebrate the day through community service or by spending the day with those who are less fortunate. At the Home for Disabled in Bhoiguda, corporate and religious bodies apart from some individuals came together to celebrate the occasion. Father Raymond Ambrose who is in charge of the home, says, “Honestly, very few of the 320 members understand the significance of Independence day. Some of the older members who are mentally disabled were born before Independence but have no recollection of it. It is through these volunteers that the significance of the day is driven home.”A student NGO in the city, Bhumi, believes in celebrating through community service. “We conduct a volunteer mobilization drive before 15th August every year and on Independence day, all the volunteers chip in to build or repair government schools. The drive has been going on for past five years and is called ‘freedom under construction’. We have succeeded in building 23 classrooms and 32 toilet blocks so far, for four government schools which lacked these basic amenities,” says Shravanthi, a volunteer with the organization.From being another national holiday, Independence day has become a cause for some to participate in shaping a better community or to do their bit for the society.
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